Principal Advisor to the GM Design, Delivery and Data | Wellington | 6 mont at Ministry of Social Development

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

03 Jun, 26

Salary

177798.0

Posted On

05 Mar, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic Advisor, Thought Leadership, Analysis, Evidence-Based Decision Making, Strategic Planning, Policy Development, Risk Mitigation, Written Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement, Government Relations, Statutory Obligations, Critical Thinking, Judgement, Public Sector Navigation, Disability Sector Knowledge, Data Utilization

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Act as a trusted strategic advisor to senior leaders across Design, Delivery & Data Lead thought leadership, analysis and evidence to inform strategic and operational decision making 6 month fixed term role based in Wellington This is a senior opportunity to work closely with the General Manager, shaping strategy, influencing outcomes, and strengthening how work programmes are planned, delivered and connected across DSS.About our team | Mō te tīma: The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whānau. We’re building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business-as-usual effectively. We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable. With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we’re committed to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making. It’s an exciting time to join DSS as we strengthen our systems and expand our capabilities. We’re looking for passionate people to help us achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact.About the role | Mō te tūnga: The Principal Advisor is a key strategic advisor to the General Manager of Design, Delivery & Data, providing high level strategic, technical and analytical leadership for the Group. Working closely with senior leaders and colleagues across DSS, you will help shape strategy, identify opportunities, mitigate risks and ensure work programmes are aligned, evidence informed and focused on achieving both strategic and operational objectives. This is a 6-month fixed term role based in Wellington. Key responsibilities include: Support the General Manager with strategic direction and business planning, contributing to wider DSS strategic planning Contribute to the development of strategic initiatives, frameworks and policies that support organisational transformation and improved outcomes Provide leadership for programmes and projects, ensuring work is well planned, monitored and delivered through high quality advice Produce clear, accurate and insightful written analysis that communicates issues, options and recommendations effectively Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across DSS, government agencies, service providers and the disability community Act as a trusted advisor to leaders, providing credible advice on statutory and regulatory obligations and implementation of government decisions Identify organisational risks, escalate as appropriate, and keep leaders informed of risks that may impact the success of DSS We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, or the disability community. Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you. What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga: Demonstrated expertise navigating public sector and community service systems, with strong understanding of government structures, policy environments and cross sector initiatives Significant knowledge and experience working in the disability sector Proven experience providing senior technical leadership or expertise across strategic and operational work programmes and service delivery processes Experience designing and implementing mechanisms to gather and use evidence, including lived experience, evaluations, audits and data Strong capability across research, evidence and analytical methods, including emerging and innovative approaches Ability to apply critical thinking and sound judgement to provide high quality strategic advice Experience influencing and engaging stakeholders across sectors Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga: A copy of the position description can be found here. Principal Advisor position description.Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00 Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 22 March 2026. About us | Mō mātou: The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent. We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities. Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are. How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono: Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form. Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description. All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate. Joining us | Ko te hono mai: Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents. We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here. If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.

Responsibilities

This role involves acting as a trusted strategic advisor to senior leaders across Design, Delivery & Data, leading thought leadership, analysis, and evidence to inform strategic and operational decision-making. Key duties include supporting the General Manager with strategic direction, contributing to policy development, providing leadership for programmes, and producing insightful written analysis.